Media Statements

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Bill Byrne

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Queensland helps firefighting effort in Tasmania

Sixteen Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel are heading to Tasmania today to help with the firefighting effort.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne said the deployment comprised staff and volunteers from Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), Fire and Rescue and the State Emergency Service (SES).

“Our QFES personnel will be assisting fire authorities in Tasmania who are battling more than 70 bushfires, including around 50 that are uncontained,” Mr Byrne said.

“Every state and territory in Australia is expected to be involved in the deployment and we are proud to be doing our bit to support our Tasmanian counterparts in their time of need.

“The QFES staff and volunteers have a diverse range of skills and knowledge to assist with the firefighting effort in Tasmania.”

QFES Deputy Commissioner Mark Roche said the personnel would take up a range of specialist roles in operations, logistics and planning.

“The Queensland staff and volunteers will be on a week-long deployment based mainly in Hobart and Launceston,” Mr Roche said.

“They’ll join three QFES personnel from Emergency Management and Fire and Rescue who flew out last weekend.

“This is our first ever deployment to Tasmania and we are ready to respond to any further requests for assistance.

“We may be supporting the operations for the next three to six weeks. We have advised Tasmania of our capability and willingness to help.”